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december 21, 2009 04:54pm
Charge Your Immune System Lymph Massage
Lymphatic massage, also referred to as lymphatic drainage, boosts health, improves immune function, increases white blood cell count, and helps your system carry toxins out of the body. It can also speed the healing process by eliminating blockages in lymphatic flow while encouraging better function of the lymphatic system, which can become sluggish if the system is overloaded with a heavy toxin load. It is useful during pregnancy, in treating edema, inflammation and sinus issues, as well as for helping heal injuries. Seasonal lymphatic massage is recommended for bolstering the immune system between the changing of the seasons.
The lymph system consists of several organs and glands throughout the body and is connected by a series of vessels carrying the lymphatic fluid through the body. When you become sick, you may notice that you have swollen lymph glands, which is the result of your lymphatic system working overtime to produce white blood cells and carry toxins out through the lymph fluid. The goal with lymphatic drainage or massage is to prevent the over-taxation of your lymphatic system by boosting it's function.
Lymphatic massage can feel deceptively gentle, especially for those who are accustomed to deep tissue massage. This gentle touch, however, is exactly why lymphatic massage works the way it does. The lymph vessels and glands are just underneath the skin, and the slow wave-like movements replicate the gentle pulse rhythm of the lymphatic system. In effect, this massage mimics the natural cycles used by the body to eliminate toxins. For areas where there is muscular involvement, deep tissue manipulation would be followed by gentle lymphatic massage stimulating healthy lymph gland function.
It is important to drink plenty of water after a lymphatic massage to assist in toxin elimination. Some people experience mild flu-like symptoms after lymphatic drainage, this is normal and the result of a toxin purge. While most people simply feel relaxed and refreshed, whether or not you will experience any of the flu-like symptoms depends on the toxins you have been exposed to and the amount of toxins being moved through and our of your body. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding excessive salt, and keeping the body moving will all help your body to finish flushing those toxins out so you can start enjoying your healthy, immunity-charged body.
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